Seasons 52

Seasons 52

by | Nov 5, 2011 | Articles

Indulge and Enjoy without the guilt.

You know how it goes when dining out; I do it all the time.  You say to yourself “I am going to order something healthy and not blow my daily calorie intake for the day.” But then you see all of the offerings on the menu…..flat bread pizzas, pastas, salads, steaks and don’t forget cocktails and desserts. Boom, before you know you have consumed a whole day’s worth of calories in one meal, until now….
Get ready Kansas City to indulge in some amazing upscale food without feeling guilty. Seasons 52 a fresh seasonal restaurant where all offerings on the menu are 475 calories or less, opens November 7 on the Country Club Plaza.
I had the chance to try a Seasons 52 while traveling  in Dallas a few months ago and just attended a preview event at the new Kansas City location.  I was impressed both times and am thrilled they are opening here. 
The evening at the new Kansas City location started with a tour of the restaurant where I found the atmosphere to be elegant and inviting. The decor consist of warm lighting with wood and stone accents. The use of spices and grains in mosaic patters along the walls and tables are unique and reiterate the fact that healthy and low calorie food can be full of flavor and that only the finest ingredients are used in the dishes at Seasons 52.
Next came the opportunity to meet Master Sommelier George Miliotes who is one of 180 Master Sommeliers worldwide.  
Seasons 52 offers over 100 bottles and 80 of them are available by the glass. They also have infused spirits using fresh and seasonal fruits that make up an impressive low calorie cocktail list. 
Last was dinner. It included several courses each paired with an amazing wine. As each course was served, Mr. Miliotes gave some insight about that wine and head chef Clifford Pleau described the dishes noting the origin of the ingredients and other interesting facts.

The flatbreads we tried were the Artichoke and Goat Cheese with Leaf Spinach, Balsamic Onions and Roasted Red Peppers and the Chipotle Shrimp with Roasted Poblanos, Grilled Pineapple and Feta Cheese.  Seasons 52 spend 8 months perfecting the flatbread recipes and the persistence has paid off.  The crispy crust and combination of ingredients go perfect together.   
Other courses included:
Rushing Waters Trout and Haas Avocado
Organinc Salmon and Lemongrass Sea Scallop Roasted on a Cedar Plank
Salinas Organic Field Greens with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Toasted Pistachios and Truffle Dressing
 Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with Roasted Garlic, Basil and Organic Tomato Broth 
Mesquite-Grilled Piedmontese Sirloin and Manchester Farms All Natural Quail with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Bourbon Chili Glaze
Mini Indulgences 
The food at Seasons 52 is amazing and unbelievably delicious and the Mini Indulgences are the perfect sweet treat. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 7 and make reservations to indulges without the guilt.
If you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm

Seasons 52 on Urbanspoon

Giveaway ~ Red Gold Tomato Gift Pack Recipe: Beef Enchilada Soup featuring Red Gold Tomatoes

Giveaway ~ Red Gold Tomato Gift Pack Recipe: Beef Enchilada Soup featuring Red Gold Tomatoes

by | Nov 2, 2011 | Articles

This recipe uses canned Red Gold Tomatoes, and all though I love supporting local and using fresh ingredients when I can, these tomatoes are perfect when those products are not available.  Red Gold Tomatoes is a family owned Indiana-based company around since the ’40s focused on growing local in the Midwest where true seasons impact the flavor of tomatoes. The tomatoes are grown on numerous farms in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.  All of their tomatoes are picked and canned at the peak of flavor so you get the taste of summertime tomatoes all year long.

The folks over at Red Gold graciously sent me a package that included some cans of tomatoes along with a recipe book, a reusable shopping bag and some other goodies.  With the weather cooling off, I decided it was the perfect time to make some soup.  With the tomatoes already in hand, I looked to see what else I had lying around and in the pantry and freezer and created this recipe.
It ended up being so good I had to share it with you and give you the chance to try the tomatoes for yourself.  Up for grabs is a Red Gold Gift Pack for you.  To enter please “like” What You’re Missing KC! and Red Gold facebook and “follow” on Twitter @WYMKC and @RedGoldTomatoes. Then comment  below on whether you have tried any Red Gold Products before.  Winner will be drawn by random.org on Friday, November at 3:00 p.m. Winner will be contacted via email so be sure and leave an email address.

Beef Enchilada Soup

2 Pounds Ground Beef
1 Red Pepper, chopped
1 Green Pepper, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1 14.5 Ounce Can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes
1 14.5 Ounce Can Red Gold Petite Dice Tomatoes with Green Chiles
1 16 Ounce Jar Enchilada Sauce ( I use Frontera Classic Red Chilie)
1 15.25 Can Corn
1 11.5 Ounce Can V8 Tomato Juice, or 1 ½ Cup Regular Tomato Juice
1 15 Ounce Can Black Beans
1 15.5 Ounce Can Kidney Beans
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
Salt to taste
In large stockpot on medium high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain and return to pot.  Add in peppers, onions and garlic and cook until tender.  Add in remaining ingredients. Mix well to combine. Reduce heat and let simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
This soup is so easy and only uses one pot so clean up is a breeze.  Enjoy it all fall and winter long! 
Serve with grated cheese and sour cream if desired. Our family also likes a splash of Balsamic Vinegar.
Makes 8 servings.
 For more information on Red Gold check out this video or visit www.redgold.com.

In Good Taste,
Sharm